The last recruitment of RN LEP's will be in early 1994. However, as 1997 approaches, the Royal Navy is no longer able to offer a long term career and we are already experiencing recruiting shortfalls and are very conscious that we must retain those trained LEP who are already in the Service. The alternative is to use additional Service personnel from UK and under the terms of the Defence Cost Agreement with Hong Kong, this would be expensive for all parties. LEP are very aware that association with the UK Military may not be in their long term best interest and they may wish to distance themselves in the run up to 1997. I mention these points because I believe that the promise of a provision of a passport is not only just but, is also the best way to retain them in Service and is considerably less expensive to the HK and UK Govts than filling their places with short term UK RN Personnel.
I understand that primary legislation in UK would be required to amend the existing British Nationality Selection Scheme and I am conscious that there are a number of difficult eligibility issues which will need to be resolved. However, the purpose of this lettel is to let you know the background. also point out that there are approx 1200 Army LEPS in the HKMSC and the situation for them, while differing in detail, is broadly the same.
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I believe that provision of UK passports to these people who loyally serve the Crown, sharing the dangers and hardships of their UK naval colleagues is a right not a grudgingly bestowed privilege.
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